Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Honored GIDP Faculty Michael A. Cusanovich has been a promoter of interdisciplinary research and teaching at The University of Arizona throughout his varied and distinguished career. Whether in Administration, the lab bench, or behind the teaching podium, Dr. Cusanovich is an enthusiastic and ardent supporter of GIDPs. While in Central Administration, Dr. Cusanovich kept the flame alive by supporting the Programs academically as well as financially. As Vice President for Research, and in his role as Provost, Dr. Cusanovich advocated for the recruitment of exceptional faculty with strong interdisciplinary interests. Indeed, faculty are attracted to The University of Arizona because of interdisciplinary ventures and Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs continue to advance in large measure because of the strong foundation of faculty recruitment initiated by Dr. Cusanovich. In his current role as Director of the Arizona Research Labs (ARL), Michael A. Cusanovich oversees a myriad set of excelling activities ranging from the Division of Biotechnology to the Institute for the Study of Planet Earth. To quote from the mission statement of the ARL, is "to support and promote interdisciplinary collaborations which initiate new research and educational programs of high priority to the scientific community. This creates a cross-fertilization between disciplines which has resulted in new projects, new collaborations, and new educational opportunities.”